Brian Lewerke ready to go, two Michigan State DEs to miss spring practice

There’s some good news and some bad news as Michigan State’s jumps into spring practices this season.

The good news: quarterback Brian Lewerke is at full strength and will be a full participant. The bad news: defensive ends Kenny Willekes and Jack Camper will both miss the entirety of spring practice due to injury.

Mark Dantonio provided those roster updates this week, according to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. The news that Willekes will miss spring isn’t too surprising, after suffering a broken leg in Michigan State’s Redbox Bowl game against Oregon.

Willekes was the B1G Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2018 and decided to return to Michigan State for his final season following the injury. Both Willekes and Camper are expected to be back in the mix and ready to play when fall comes around.

MSU QB Brian Lewerke says his shoulder is 100% and he will be a full participant in spring practice. DEs Kenny Willekes and Jack Camper to miss spring per Mark Dantonio.

There was some question regarding Lewerke’s status for spring after battling a shoulder injury throughout the season. However, it seems that he’s ready to be a full participant.

Lewerke shared time with Rocky Lombardi at points throughout the 2018 season due to the injury, but ultimately spent most of the time as the starter. The two are expected to battle for the No. 1 spot this spring and fall with Lewerke having the edge.

Lewerke threw for 2,040 yards and eight touchdowns last season, but also threw 11 interceptions and completed passes at just over 54 percent for the year. He also wasn’t nearly the threat on the ground as in 2017, rushing for just 184 yards and two scores.

Much of Lewerke’s struggles — and the Spartans’ offense in general — can be attributed to a struggling and unhealthy offensive line and a nonexistent rushing attack. Still, Lewerke’s injury and inconsistency makes the quarterback situation a little more interesting in East Lansing heading into 2019.

At least he’s going to get all of spring and summer to prove he belongs in that No. 1 spot.

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB